Tuesday, October 8, 2019





Many years ago I was running my third apparel manufacturing plant. I had quit the first two for different reasons that aren't relevant to this post. What is relevant is the situation I found myself in. 

 

I had taken a job that the management had failed to tell me that the company was near bankruptcy. The production floor was full of cuts (orders) that were months beyond their delivery dates. So I went to work showing the supervision on how to get those orders out the door with stringent quality standards that I implemented. After all, if it's not right the customers will just send it back and you have spent money for nothing. Which I found out after some investigation was one of the reasons they were behind. Many people were spending their day doing repairs!!   

 

After removing most of the supervision for poor performance I promoted people that I knew could help me correct this joke of a production plant. My problem was that we did such a good job that we were working ourselves out of a job.  

 

Fortunately, there was a merger in the works with another company that again the management above me was not sharing with me. The company had a type A president and a great sales force. These were some of the things that were sorely missing with this company. The president of the company that had hired me was well past his prime and the sales force was virtually non-existent. Hence, why my people and I were working ourselves out of a job. There were not enough orders to supply the production floor with work!!      

 

The merger went through and things began a turn around that was a breath of fresh air. The company president and my boss, the VP of Manufacturing approached me and ask that I oversee the plant I had been running and the plant that was acquired in the merger. (Sidebar: One of the questions I was asked in my initial interview by that VP was what would be my goals if hired. I said to be sitting in that chair you are in. More on that later.)

 

We got on the fast track and in two years built a third plant. In a short period after the new plant started showing us a profit, it was decided to expand it and move corporate headquarters to it along with the embroidery department that I had established. I was made point man in refurbishing one of the older plants and doubling its size. In the next few months, I was contacted by that VP who had quit and offered a job with the company he had moved to. 

 

I accepted his offer and resigned. The company president tried to talk me out of quitting. He said he had big plans and I was a big part of those plans. He offered a big increase in my salary and some other perks. I left anyway and moved to Indianapolis to take over as Director of Manufacturing.        

After a year I decided that the move was one I regretted. I left and moved back to North Carolina and started my own consulting company. 

 

While staying in a motel waiting to sell my house in Indianapolis, the company there heard I was back in the area and started aggressively pursuing me to return as their Manufacturing Director. A deal was reached and I did return and started establishing more manufacturing plants. 

 

After a few years passed the company owners decided that they wanted to start up operations in Central America. Specifically in Costa Rica, Honduras, and El Salvador. I was promoted to VP of Offshore Apparel Manufacturing where I established plants in all three countries. (It was a different chair but I fulfilled what I had told that VP during the initial interview)   

 

 

 

Now you may be asking why I started this blog with the Calin Coolidge quote. It's because I started my business journey on a shipping receiving dock unloading trucks. I have met more than my share of those type of people he talked about. But my persistence and determination got me from that dock to VP!! 

 

As I look around at most of the young people today I have to hang my head and sigh deeply. If I had more of an emotional side I would also shed my share of tears. 

 


Sunday, October 6, 2019

“They asked me if I’d like to debate this gentleman, and I said no. I said, ‘If we were in high school, I’d take him behind the gym and beat the hell out of him.’” 
Joe Biden
And the Democrats are peace lovers.
Just ask the Antifa group.


Impeach the POTUS! He violated national security! Biden says he only did what he was told to do. Who told you? Only the POTUS at the time could have done that. You were the Vice President. So the POTUS told you to get the prosecutor in Ukraine fired? Here's his confession:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXA--dj2-CY

 

Now the fact that the prosecutor was investigating the company that his son was on the board of and knocking down a $50,000 a month salary had nothing to do with his glee, as shown in the video, and of course the fact that his son had no qualifications to be on that board except the fact that his father was VP of the United States, had nothing to do with anything. wink wink.  

 

The fact that the Democrat's and others with Trump Derangement Syndrom have been beating the bushes to find a way to take out the president. He is different. He is working to drain the swamp. The cooked alligators don't like this. In fact, they fear that he is chipping away at doing just that.

 

Wasn't it reported some time back that Pelosi and her hubby gained a lot financially from her position and as a swamp dweller had the support of her fellow dwellers? Isn't she the one that took MANY trips home on government planes and in many cases had family members travel with her: https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/jan/25/air-pelosi-watchdog-revisits-house-speakers-hefty-/ Didn't her swamp dweller cronies reelect her to the speaker in the face of this? This is one of the examples that the dwellers do not want to give up.

 

As for the current move to impeach the POTUS. They investigated him for years and found nothing. Was he trying to 'dig up dirt'? Or was he simply trying to expose another swamp dweller that has been in office since Jesus was a pup and has nothing to show for it except helping a family member out of a bad situation that could have been very embarrassing and potentially ruining his, Hunters, future career? Let's set aside his admitted drug addiction. Daddy may be able to fix that too in a pinch. 

 

Bottom line. You have to decide for yourself. As has been said many times, are you better off today than 3 years ago? 

 

            

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday, October 5, 2019




I have heard most of my life that you should limit your egg intake. Mainly because they are bad for your heart. High in cholesterol you know. Something that tastes so good and will go with several dishes is bad for you if not taken in moderation. Shucks!! Then I stumbled on this article. But then, they tell you this is good for you and someone else comes along and says that is bad for you! Drives me crazy!!

Here's another link sent to me by a friend:  

 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-many-eggs-should-you-eat    

 

After eating up these articles, pun intended, I have a better understanding that there is a God. I can enjoy my eggs with an enjoyable side, such as bacon or sausage or ham or sausage gravy or toast with jam. The delectable combinations seem to be endless. 


In fact, one large hard-boiled egg contains:
  • Vitamin A: 6% of the RDA
  • Folate: 5% of the RDA
  • Vitamin B5: 7% of the RDA
  • Vitamin B12: 9% of the RDA
  • Vitamin B2: 15% of the RDA
  • Phosphorus: 9% of the RDA
  • Selenium: 22% of the RDA
  • Eggs also contain decent amounts of vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin B6, calcium and zinc
You will also earn yourself these 77 calories, 6 grams of protein and 5 grams of healthy fats.

There is more. Just read the articles and if you are an egg lover such as I am, you will walk away stepping on clouds and whistling your favorite tune.  

 

So scramble a few for me and pass the English muffin and marmalade.  





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday, October 4, 2019




What a Godsend!! It's National Taco Day AND National Vodka Day!!!! The best of two worlds in one. Since they fall on Friday this year I vote we turn it into Taco/Vodka weekend. However, you may need a designated taco filler. The old coordination begins to falter after 2-3 vodkas. Or is that the tacos? In case you are new to the taco scene (did you grow up under a rock?) then here's a quick and yummy recipe:

Chopped Onion 

Ground Beef (90%) 

Tomato Sauce  

Taco Seasoning  

 

Here is a recipe for homemade taco seasoning:

  • chili powder

  • garlic powder

  • onion powder

  • dried oregano

  • paprika

  • ground cumin

  • crushed red pepper (optional)

  • salt and pepper

  • sugar (optional)

  • cornstarch

 Place all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.

Put an ample amount of meat mixture in a corn hard shell taco or a soft flour tortilla. If you want to spice it up use a little salsa. Pace is the best IMHO.  


And now for the good stuff-------VODKA.


The 20 Best Selling Vodka Brands In The World in 2019

  • Smirnoff.
  • Absolut.
  • Khortytsa.
  • Żubrówka.
  • Khlibnyi Dar.
  • Nemiroff.
  • Svedka.
  • Pyat Ozer.


I prefer Absolute but the truth is after a couple drinks they all do the same thing.


Rather than list the various drinks you can make with vodka here's a link that tells you how to make them and the ingredients for each cocktail:   

https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/2-ingredient-cocktails/


Bottoms up and bon appétit

 

 

 

 

Thursday, October 3, 2019


CAUTION: THIS IS A POLITICAL STATEMENT

Adam "Shifty" Schiff

I have been accused of being a Trump supporter. So what's wrong for pulling for the underdog? That's what some from across the aisle feel about him. Along with calling him an illegitimate President, a racist, a whore monger and any derogatory name you can think of. Those with Trump Derangement Syndrom eat, sleep (with nightmares) and dream of his political demise. Possibly his physical demise as well! They don't want to burn him in effigy, they would prefer to do it in the flesh. 


Now with all the failed attempts to remove him from office by hook or crook, heavy on the crook(s) they are going to waste MORE TIME AND MONEY, your money, to impeach him. Be careful there Dems, don't fall on your sword. Just kidding. You go right ahead and do what you are doing best. Stumbling and falling.


What about the champion of their cause? The dishonorable Schiff currently serves as on the United States Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Ok, he is on a committee but the intelligence part eludes me. 

 

Here is the latest example:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Obr4uibWOhU 

 

Well, you know what? I don’t believe Schiff’s denial of wrongdoing.  So I demand that Schiff and all members of his staff, his personal attorney and all his family members immediately release all their emails, texts, handwritten notes and phone records of all communications, incoming and outgoing, professional and personal, for the past five weeks.  I also want recordings of their phone calls because how can we trust that they haven't altered any so-called "transcripts?" 

I also demand that everyone involved be subpoenaed for questioning about those communications and all other contacts and communications with anyone else during this period under penalty of perjury! Anyone who doesn’t fully comply within four days is obviously guilty of obstruction, which is treason, so they must immediately be put into solitary confinement to await summary execution!!!

…And thus ends today’s episode of “Talk Like a House Democrat!” I thank you!

 

Leftists don’t seem to care if their people lie, as long as it’s in pursuit of their objectives. This isn’t the first time Schiff has lied, as he maintained for many months that he possessed evidence of Trump/Russia “collusion” in the 2016 election. He had nothing of the sort. And he lied big-time during a congressional hearing when he “parodied” (his later characterization) Trump’s phone call with Ukrainian President Zelensky, putting outrageously fake words in the President’s mouth that will no doubt live forever in both the permanent congressional record and the minds of everyone who saw them in media reports. That was the idea, of course.

 

He spent time doing what he later said was a parody. He explained that AFTER he was questioned on his display while being the chairman of the committee that is out for the President's scalp. Here's my question, why didn't he state that this was a parody BEFORE he delivered his made up BS. Oh, probably because he thought he could get away with hoodwinking the public AGAIN!   


I think we should gather up the life long politicians and put them in a bag, shake it up and see who comes out first. Then when they have all escaped explain to them that from this day forward they will live with term limits, just like the President, pay for their own health insurance because we the people, the ones that pay for everything, has had enough and we are mad as hell and we will not take it anymore. If you don't like it here's a ticket to a country of your choice and we expect you to bamboozle them as you have honed your skills on us!!! 

 

 How did such simpletons screw up 

our well thought out republic

 

  


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, October 2, 2019


       Charlie Frank Pride


Who remembers this country music star? I had not thought of him in years until I ran across a short piece on Facebook. I was around when he became a voice to be reconded with in the '70s. Although I didn't care much for country music he caught my attention because of his voice and the way he carried himself. He had a look of pride mixed with a humble side. 

 

He was born in 1934 in Sledge, Mississippi as one of eleven children to a sharecropper. He married Rozene Cohran in 1956. He is an American singer, musician, guitarist, business owner, and former professional baseball player. He was a pitcher for the https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis_Red_Sox but had to hang up his glove when an injury caused him to lose the "mustard" on his fastball.

 

He served two years in the army from 1956-1958. His break came when Chet Atkins at RCA Victor heard a demonstration tape and got Pride a contract In 1966. After his first few releases that went nowhere, he released another single called "Before I Met You", which also did not chart. Not long afterward, his third single, "Just Between You and Me", was released. This song finally brought Pride success on the country charts. The song reached number nine on the US country chart. The success of "Just Between You and Me" was enormous. Pride was nominated for a Grammy Award for the song the next year.   

 

In 1967, he became one of the first black performers to appear at the Grand Ole Opry. His career took off at this point and he was off to the races. In 1971, Pride released what would become his biggest hit, "Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'", a million-selling crossover single that helped him land the Country Music Association's prestigious Entertainer of the Year award, as well as Top Male Vocalist. He won CMA's Top Male Vocalist award again in 1972.                                                                                            

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRIRTQ_k-Sg

 
On April 29, 2011, a biographical film based on Pride's life and career was announced to be in the works. The film will be produced by and star actor and professional wrestler, Dwayne Johnson.

 

On November 1, 2019, The Mississippi native is to be the inaugural recipient of GRAMMY Museum®–Mississippi’s Crossroads of American Music Award.
"As a native of Mississippi, Charley has had a significant impact on American music with his uncompromising honky-tonk country music." said Emily Havens, Executive Director.

 

 

 Charlie and wife Rozene celebrate 59 years of Marriage

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charley_Pride

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday, October 1, 2019


Marriage vs Mate

 

So what is the difference between marriage (wife/husband) and a mate? Can you have both in one? This is a question that many have asked since God created Adam and Eve. Eve started it with that damn apple!  

 

You find the one you want to spend the rest of your life with (you think). So you take the plunge and get wed and settle down for a life of bliss (you hope). Then one day you find yourself asking, what was I thinking! The sparkle is gone. The wife/husband has changed. At least in your eyes. So what's missing? 

 

You made a mistake. You married a man/woman, not your mate. The one you married has so many flaws you can't get past. You don't communicate anymore, if you ever truly did. Maybe you had only talked AT each other and not TO each other. Maybe you expected one thing and got another. This won't do. You deserve better! Or do you? After all, you are the one that went into this with your eyes wide open. You convince yourself that he/she has changed, not you!! 

 

You married a man/woman, not your mate. So what is the difference? Well, a mate is something that you fold into and they into you. With time each has accepted the little idiosyncrasies of the other. You have learned how to agree to disagree and then let it go. You have learned to put your selfishness aside and be humble even if it hurt a little. And so has your mate! Giving becomes more of a pleasure than a task as long as it isn't taken for granted or abused. Trust is something that you have and so does your mate because it has been earned not trampled on. 

 

A mate is one that has evolved with you. A mate takes care of you and you take care of them at all times. They even put your needs ahead of yours and you, in turn, do the same for them.  

 

There is my humble opinion. If you just want a wife/husband go for it. However, if you want a lasting relationship take the time to understand and help your future mate to understand what it takes to be a mate.                                                                           

**Full disclosure: I have been through many marriages to learn these lessons.